A fiber optic network is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light through strands of flexible silica which are slightly thicker than a human hair. Fibers are then bundled and run either underground or aerially.

The Town Council approved a 10-year loan for up to $1.5 million, which is being paid back using the money we currently spend on facility interconnection services. Because the amounts are roughly equivalent, the result after 10 years will be a Town-owned fiber network, an asset with a lifespan of 30 years or more.

The Town had a strong case for constructing its own fiber network. The amount of money the Town used to spend on telecommunication provider services was projected to increase substantially due to bandwidth needs and bringing new facilities online. The fiber network provides the Town with telecommunication services at speeds 1,000 times faster than the speeds previously utilized at most of the Town facilities. With the expanded capability of the new network, the Town is focusing on providing innovative technology solutions to better serve the citizens of Holly Springs.

The Town is implementing wireless technology in addition to the fiber network to help our staff who work in the field. An exclusively wireless internet would have been expensive to deploy on a large scale due to the cost of equipment. Plus, the lifespan of the wireless equipment is estimated to be a third as long as the lifespan of fiber. Connectivity with fiber is also more reliable and not affected by weather conditions or interference.

No, the Town’s network will not compete with internet and cable companies. The North Carolina General Assembly established strict rules on the way fiber networks can be used by municipalities. The Town is using this network to serve its own needs and functioning within the legal limits set forth by North Carolina law, Article 16A of NCGS § 160A.

The fiber network provides additional redundancy and speed for Town facilities and staff, including those who work in the field and require fast and immediate access to information. This includes our public safety, Public Works, Engineering and Code Enforcement personnel. The Town also is expanding our wireless infrastructure to allow more access in public areas. Also, long term costs are reduced for Town network operations.